Lee Valley velopark, road circuit.

[Paul139]

Took my bike over to the Lee Valley Velopark in Stratford east London last week to give the road circuit a go.
The track is only a mile long in length but is silky smooth asphalt that gently rises and falls around the back of the velodrome. It only costs a fiver and you can stay on as long as you wish.
I went on a weekday and to start off there was only myself and two others on the track, after an hour or so a small group of kids under adult supervision joined us but there was plenty of room for us all. After a while, everyone left and I had the place to myself!
The thought I had was that for anyone wanting to do their first 100 miles in a safe traffic free environment although it would become mind numbing after a while it would be a way of training or just seeing how your body holds up before a big event.
I did about 20 laps and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be going again.
Here`s a link to my ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/331237858

 

[ianrauk]

I haven't actually ridden the track but have visited a good few times to watch some rides, What is also good about the park and the Olympic Park especially is that there are a lot of facilities for people, especially families. the whole park is well worth a visit.

 

[Cuchilo]

I went at the start of the year and its a nice track with nice facilities to get changed and store your goodies while out riding on the track . You can also nip up the stairs and watch the track riding in the velodrome . I would go again if it wasn't such a pain to get to from SW London . Why did they build it there !
Riding over there is an attractive option though .

 

[HertzvanRental]

Spent a day at the Velodrome last year for the "Revolution" series, going again this Autumn and have tickets for sessions for the Worlds next year. Great day out!

 

[toontra]

Had a try-out yesterday. Great fun. £4 for as long as you can handle going round a 1-mile track. Very good for a hard workout as there were enough people there to find someone to catch up or keep up with most of the time. No traffic, junctions and great surface means you can fully concentrate on speed and line and I rode harder than I have in a long time (as my lungs told me.)

It's just a couple of miles ride from my home so I'm going to work some visits into my training programme. Olympic legacy in action!

 

[tigersnapper]

There is also a track at Gravesend - Cyclopark. Haven't ridden it for a while but the track is beautifully smooth (mostly) and has a number of variations to the track so you don't have to do the same circuit every time.

 

[Lee gg]

Looks like good medicine training wise, might join you on the next one I'm hoping to do it again soon. Where are you based (roughly) as I see a few familiar faces have given you kudos on strava.

 

[subaqua]

I haven't actually ridden the track but have visited a good few times to watch some rides, What is also good about the park and the Olympic Park especially is that there are a lot of facilities for people, especially families. the whole park is well worth a visit.

And you get to look at my handiwork as you ride round after dark

I love the park. Hopefully it will be a true legacy of the olympics

 

[toffee]

Looking at the website at parking is free for 4 hours.

Is this correct as if I had to cycle there and back I'd be too knackered to actually ride round.

Derek

 

[jefmcg]

Riding over there is an attractive option though .

I couldn't imagine getting there any other way. Drive? Public transport ? Shudder .

Only thing is I'd have to pass both RPs (Richmond and Regents Parks) so would be tempted to cut short my journey .

Haven't actually tried velopark yet .

 

[toontra]

I couldn't imagine getting there any other way. Drive? Public transport ? Shudder .

Only thing is I'd have to pass both RPs (Richmond and Regents Parks) so would be tempted to cut short my journey .

From Richmond Park you could actually get the overground directly to Stratford, Bikes no problem on these trains outside rush hour I think.

 

[Cuchilo]

I couldn't imagine getting there any other way. Drive? Public transport ? Shudder .

Only thing is I'd have to pass both RPs (Richmond and Regents Parks) so would be tempted to cut short my journey .

Haven't actually tried velopark yet .

Depends what bike/wheels you want to use on the track . From memory the route from mine to there was along a few canal tow paths .

 

[HLaB]

I've only done a demo bike session round Lee Valley and I'd guess you'd have to be mentally strong to do 100 laps round there without resisting the temptation just to get off.

 

[toffee]

I couldn't imagine getting there any other way. Drive? Public transport ? Shudder .

Only thing is I'd have to pass both RPs (Richmond and Regents Parks) so would be tempted to cut short my journey .

Haven't actually tried velopark yet .

You are obviously a bit closer than me

Derek

 

[Markymark]

Ride passed it to/from work most days. Might give it a go one weekend. Doing taster track session tomorrow there which I'm dead excited about.